Chapter 27: Man with Flowers

The next day came when the army sets out once more for the large tree where the Voice resides. As they continue to walk up the tall mountains, Robin is climbing up the steep trails following by Reina, Kai, and Meena. Finally, she comes to a stop as she tries to catch her breath. "Why do mountains… have to… be so steep?"

The female archer stops as well with beads of sweat trailing from his forehead. "I agree… Even… some of the mountains… back in Hoenn aren't this steep…"

"Yeah… I don't want… to sound like Lissa, but… when do you think… we can… take a break?" Meena says as she wipes the sweat off his cheeks.

"Just… where does Chrom even… get this much stamina?" Kai speaks as he glances around the rocky trail.

"Here. Have some water."

The four look up and sees the pink-haired dancer handing out containers of water to them. As Robin receives it, she nods her head in appreciation. "Thank you, Olivia. You're a lifesaver."

"Oh, hardly. I just flail around and pretend to dance, mostly." The dancer says with a smile.

"That's not true! Your dance is really beautiful." Reina tells her.

"That's right, Olivia." Meena agrees.

"After seeing your dancing, I feel energetic." Kai adds.

Robin nods with a smile. "Also, your dancing is spectacular! It never fails to pick me up."

"Ha! I dance like ham someone rolled down the stairs. Just thinking of people watching me makes me cringe…" The shy dancer says.

"Everyone, gather around!" Chrom shouts.

"Is there something going on, Chrom?" Robin asks.

As the captain nods, he says, "We received word from a nearby village of a bandit's camp not too far from here. They've also ravaged surrounding towns in the area with impunity for too long. It ends today."

The tactician nods. "Right."

"Not today, rogue!"

A young man with short black hair and blue clothing and armor shouts as he gracefully cuts down a brigand with his blade. When the bandit shows no signs of getting back up, he turns around and grins to the crying young woman. "All safe now, buttercup."

"When the lady looks up, her eyes widen in shock. "I-Inigo?!"

"The crying part is over love. Now give us a smile." The man, Inigo, says before displaying a carefree smile on his face. "And perhaps a wink if a fellow can be greedy?"

Despite his words, the woman only grew more worried as she shouts, "Inigo, you stupid fool! The bandit you slew has-"

"Dozens of friends who will terribly cross with me? Aye." The man finishes with a smile. "Worry not! I'll mop up the lot of them and be back in time for tea."

"You mustn't! They'll kill you!"

The man laughs. "Don't be silly. I'd never let anyone ruin this perfect face. Surely you want them gone as well, yes? So that you may rebuild in peace?"

"Of course, but…"

"Then let us have no more frowns! A smile like yours is not a treasure to be locked in the king's dungeons! I'll meet you in town once I've sorted those pesky bandits. Perhaps then we can discuss my… reward. Ho ho!"

Unaware of his surroundings smalls eyes peaks from the trees staring at Inigo with stars floating around them.

They've been walking for almost an hour and a half before they finally arrived what looks to be a large fort of some sort.

"Their hold is just ahead. It should be…" Chrom trails off before he spots a figure dashing up to it. "Wait, what's that?" His eyes then widen in shock as he watches the figure clashes against a nearby bandit. "Gods, that man is fighting them alone. Come, let's lend a hand!"

At this, Robin begins to weave another new tactic that they hope would succeed before the young man meets his demise but, as they did so, something catches the corner of Chrom's eye.

"More bandits?" The exalt questions with a look of great concern for the young man.

As she follows his gaze, Reina cries out in surprise. "No! That's Kireihana!"

Fighting against the bandits is a green Pokémon with circular blue eyes and red markings on its cheeks. It has two bright red flowers on its head and green and yellow leaves around its waist that resemble a skirt. Kireihana spins around releasing glowing green leaves from its boy at the bandits.

"By the looks of it, we don't have to worry." Reina says.

"Aye."

After cutting down a bandit, he pants heavily, "Hah… hah… It looks like I bite off more than I can chew…"

Inigo then feels someone is behind him which he instantly turns around and jumps back barely missing the blade of the bandit by a couple of inches. As he hears the man clicks his tongue, the mercenary raises his weapon once more only to see the brigand to cry out in pain before collapses. This surprises Inigo as he sees several leaves lands on the bandit's back before looking up to see Kireihana smiling at him.

"We're you the one saved me just now?" He asks.

"Bana!" The Flower Pokémon nods.

"As thanks, maybe we should have tea together?" Inigo asks which Kireihana smiles even more with sparkles appearing everywhere around her.

"Um, are… Are you all right?" A voice asks behind him causing the mercenary to scream out in surprise as he turns around seeing the pink-haired dancer also screams out. "Wh-what's wrong?!"

"S-sorry! …Sorry. You just surprised me." Inigo apologizes.

"I'd say we're even on that count!"

"I shouldn't have shouted, but… Er, yes. Can we please start over?" He asks and clears his throat. "It was your ravishing beauty that caught me so off guard, milady!"

"I don't quite know how to reply that."

"Er, please don't look at me so…intently. It makes me terribly bashful." Inigo then runs away from the dancer along with Kireihana following behind him.

"What?! Wait! Don't go! Drat, he's gone. He totally stole my like, too. Still, it's weird. I didn't have a problem talking to him… May his shyness counters my own?" Olivia wonders.

Despite the tactician's concern in fighting within small spaces, they are able to take out the bandit's leader and clean out the stronghold of any remaining bandits within a few hours. Now the Shepherds are resting for the day at the fort while Inigo is looking for someone and sees Olivia.

"Um… Olivia? Might I have a moment?" Inigo asks.

Hearing a voice next to her, she spins around in bewilderment as she sees the young black-haired mercenary. "W-what? With me? Why?! …Wait, how did you know my name?"

"A little bird tweeted it out. So is that a yes?"

Slowly, Olivia nods her head. "Um, all right, I guess."

Almost immediately, the man begins to look uncertain as he hesitates. "…Er, yes. You see… What I mean to say is…" Finally, Inigo shakes his head. "Goodness, this is much harder than chatting up other girls I've met. I suppose it would be quickest just to show you this."

"M-my ring? But… I'm wearing it!" Olivia exclaims in shock. "How did you…?"

The man wears a big smile. "Indeed. How does Inigo have your ring when there is only one in all the world? Unless it IS your right and I brought it back from the future!"

"What?" The woman says in surprise. "You mean, like Lucina…?"

"Exactly. I knew my mother was a dancer, you see. So I've been scouring the land looking for all the dancers I could find. Not the worst job in the world, mind. Heh heh heh… But now I've finally found you, Mother! And my dancing is all the better for it!"

Hearing his words, the pink-haired dancer looks up in surprise. "Oh! You dance?"

"Er sort of, yes. That is to say, I tried my best." The man says with a bashful smile. "But some people don't appreciate male dancers. Not that I care! I'm content just shaking my hips for the ladies."

Olivia giggles. "Oh, don't listen to them! I think it's wonderful. I'd… love to see you dance sometime."

Almost immediately, the man's face grew red as he exclaims in shock. "N-no! Impossible! I'd be far too embarrassed for that! Besides, I'd rather watch you dance."

Upon his words, the dancer begins to blush as well. "What?! N-No! I couldn't possibly!"

"I'm shyer than you are, Mother!" The man argues back desperately.

"You are not!"

Neither side responds nor continues to speak as they both look away timidly. Then a sigh is heard followed by a voice. "Would you two stop it already? Now I'm the one who's getting embarrassed…"

They turn around and sees Chrom walking up to them followed by Reina and Kireihana.

"Chrom?!" Inigo exclaims in surprise. "Uh… How much of that did you hear?"

The exalt lets out a sigh. "Starting from who should see who dance probably."

"Bana." Kireihana nods.

"You're still around?" Inigo asks. "But I don't know what kind of creature you are."

"They're the magical creatures called Pokémon that are appearing our world, Inigo." Olivia explains.

"Ah, the rumored magical creatures." the mercenary looks at the green Pokémon. "What kind of name do you have?"

"I think this will help." Reina points her Zukan at the Pokémon.

"Kireihana, the Flower Pokémon. When these Pokémon move, their delicate petals rub together, creating a pleasant sound. They are also known for their unique acrobatic dancing abilities."

"But why did she appear before me?" Inigo wonders.

"I think that Bellossom wants to be with you, right?" Reina asks the Flower Pokémon causing it to nod her head.

"Then if you're determined then I will gladly accept, Bella."

~Later~

Inigo is now sitting with a cup of tea in his hand with Bella.

"At last, teatime has arrived!" Inigo says about to drink the tea.

"We're leaving, Inigo." Chrom interrupts.

"What, right now? B-but…teatime!"

"War is hell, Inigo. Now come with us or be left behind."

"Fine, fine! I'm coming. …I suppose there'll be more buttercups blooming along the road ahead.